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refinement are weak as a child before the raids of lust. Does not Germany outstrip all lands in depth of research and force of intellect? Who can vie with France in the refinements of art and the graces of culture? In vain! From whence come wars and fightings among the nations? Come they not of the lust of "glory," the lust of "territory," the lust of revenge? History on every blood-stained page mournfully answers, Yes. And where is the force that can expel these passions; whither shall we go in quest of the lever that is sufficient to raise man above these sordid and sinful propensities? On as many pages history tells us that in this, as in other things, "without Christ we can do nothing." It is His voice that calms the surging sea of human passion, His balm that heals the divisions of the family, His teaching and sacrifice that compels a loving regard for the weakest brother of every tribe and na

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tion, and girdles the world with peace and the nations with righteousness. He only doeth wondrous things. Did we doubt His power, the signs of the times would themselves condemn us, gloomy as they are. Prophecies far less likely of fulfilment, speaking after the manner of men, witness now to His strength and energy. The Nazarene has outlived every form of opposition, and wrung victory from every foe. He has conquered at every step, and cannot fail here. Let us aid Him, by an earnest and continuous effort to increase the number of those who accept His teaching and do His will. To win souls to Christ is the best policy for preventing wars. Here is the recipe for the nations. Written in the lurid flames of war the old message once more challenges attention, "Go ye into all the world, and preach the Gospel" of peace and good will "to every J. CLIFFORD.

creature."

Brief Notices of New Books.

THE SOUL'S INQUIRIES ANSWERED IN THE WORDS OF SCRIPTURE. By G. Washington Moon. London: Hatchard's, 187, Piccadilly.

Ir is a good custom to begin each day by storing the memory with a brief portion of the Word of Life. Addison says: "The mind that lies fallow a single day sprouts up in follies that are only to be killed by a constant and assiduous culture," and the Christian often discovers that he is betrayed into the hands of the enemy because his mind is unoccupied, and he is not furnished with the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. "Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against Thee," suggests the path of wisdom and safety. These year-books of Scripture texts are very acceptable aids in this exercise morning by morning. They save time, and generally suggest appropriate trains of thought. This is one of unequalled excellence. The principle is new, and it is worked out with good effect. For example, for the first of October we have the following questions-"What think ye of Christ? and the answer is-God having raised up His Son Jesus, sent Him to bless you in turning away every one of you from his iniquities. Turn Thou us unto Thee, O Lord, and we shall be turned." There is also a blank page for a diary. Our readers will find this a most useful book.

RECORDS OF THE CHURCH AT GEORG STREET, PLYMOUTH. By H. Nicholson. London: E. Stock.

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THESE Annals date as far back as 1640, and describe the various experiences of a Christian community in the troublous times of the civil wars, in the reign of that most religious prince," Charles II., and on to the present time. Plymouth church was favoured at the beginning of its history with the services of a faithful, judicious, and heroical man; who was ever ready, not only to believe on Christ, but also to suffer for His sake. Abraham Cheare was a genuine apostle and devoted martyr for the truth, and suffered long imprisonment for the sake of Christ. He would not "contract rust by rest," nor sin by cowardice, but was instant in season and out of season, and never ashamed of the gospel. The famous William Winterbotham, who was imprisoned for using so called "seditious language" in the nervous and quivering days of the first French Revolution, was also pastor of this church for some time. This fragment of church history, whilst specially attractive to those persons who are still associated with the churches at Plymouth and Devonport, has also substantial claims on the attention of all who are interested in reviewing the growth and usefulness of the Free Churches of England.

IMAGINARY CONVERSATIONS BETWEEN NOTABILITIES OF THE SEVENTEENTH CENTURY. By John Harris Scroxton. London: Elliot Stock.

THE author of these "Imaginary Conversations" can scarcely have hoped to succeed. It needs high dramatic power to revivify, in the nineteenth century, the shades of the seventeenth century heroes; and he must be a poet indeed who would faithfully express in verse the inner life of the writer of "Paradise Lost." It may be a worthy ambition that attempts this, but the result can hardly fail to be other than it is, the cutting-out of paper outlines, more or less accurate, but incapable of standing by themselves, without shadows and without reality. J. W. C.

CURIOUS FACTS OF OLD COLONIAL DAYS. By James Borwick, F.R.G.S. London: Sampson Low, Son, & Marston, 188, Fleet Street.

THE author of this work is favourably known by "The Last of the Tasmanians" and other productions relating to the Australian colonies and their aboriginal races; but in this volume he appeals to a larger range of the reading world, and offers in a pleasant anecdotal style a mass of curious and interesting information, much of which will be new to the English public. Every

thing about this work is attractive, and as a gift-book it can be strongly recommended. D. B.

THE PLYMOUTH BRETHREN: their Rise, &c. By E. Dennett. Second Edition, with additions. Price 8d. London: E. Stock. WE rejoice unfeignedly in the early appearance of a second edition of this exceedingly valuable lecture. It ought to be known far and wide. We do not know a better corrective of the unscriptural teachings of Plymouth Brethrenism.

LIGHTED LAMPS FOR LITTLE TRAVELLERS. (London: E. Stock. Price 1d. each.) are four addresses on: Why must I go to Jesus-My first Step to Jesus-My second Step to Jesus-and Happy in Jesus. They are short, and to the point; full of anecdote and illustration, and well suited for distribution amongst the young of our families and schools.

BOOKS, ETC., RECEIVED.

War: its Causes, Consequences, and Cure. Rev. J. W. Todd-The Religious Aspect of the War. Rev. J. Sinclair. London: E. Stock.-Entire Evidence of Evangelists and Apostles on Future Punishment-Sword and Trowel-Church— Sunday Magazine-County Words of the West Riding-The Rainbow-Congregational Miscellany, &c.

Correspondence.

"THE APPENDIX."

TO THE EDITOR

Dear Sir,-Permit me to call the attention of our churches to this little addition to our "service of song."

Several years ago, the trustees were requested by the Association to make some addition to our present Hymn Book. After due consideration it was thought that such a book as we now have in the Appendix would, at any rate for the next ten or twelve years, meet all requirements. It is published in a separate form, and may be had also in two sizes bound up with the larger books. I have said that this plan may do for the next ten or twelve years. Probably by that time the stereotyped plates of the large book will be worn out, and it may be advisable to publish a new edition in one book.

I have heard only two serious objections

to the Appendix. (1.) That it contains but few superior hymns. (2.) That there are too many peculiar metres. To the first objection I answer, the whole number is only eighty-six, and it must be remembered that the large book contains almost all the best hymns that were known twenty years ago, so that the choice of the selectors was very limited. But surely the following hymns are worth all the cost of the book-numbers 1, 3, 4, 8, 9, 12, 16, 17, 18, 19, 23, 27, 28, 30, 35, 37, 50, 59, 60, 65, 69, 75, 76, 86, and Te Deum Laudamus. In reply to the second objection I say, if good hymns suitable for public worship are written not in the ordinary metres, there must be good tunes sought for them, and I am happy to say that this need is supplied by the Standard and Bristol Tune Books, and Monk's Ancient and Modern Hymns and Tunes.

I am aware that these will require learn

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ng, and probably with more care than ordinary common metres; and why should we be content with careless singing when we are not content with bad reading and bad grammar in the pulpit? I trust the time is coming when the singing in our public worship will be greatly improved and somewhat less limited than now. I am, yours sincerely, THOS. HILL.

FINANCIAL STATISTICS.

TO THE EDITOR

Dear Sir,-Will you allow me to ask why "Financial Statistics" are published in the "G. B. Year Book?" What is the philosophy of it? Unless all the circumstances and liabilities of the churches could be stated in connection with their annual contributions to Denominational Institutions, it seems to me unfair and unkind to report their monetary doings in

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such invidious juxtaposition. I could name several churches that were ready enough to parade their financial statistics years ago, but humiliating changes have come over them and they have now a manifest preference for more prudent unobtrusiveness. Similar changes may befall the most affluent and prosperous societies. Would it not be better, therefore, to do things modestly and quietly "as unto the Lord and not unto men?"

I hope it will not be charged upon me as rebellious recusancy if I express my intention never to conform to the rule which I thus presume to arraign. Yours truly,

Kegworth & Diseworth.

T. YATES.

[As a matter of fact it may be observed that the Association of 1861 (see Minutes, p. 32) ordered that Financial Statistics should be published in the Minutes, and in obedience to that order they have been inserted each year since.-ED.]

Church Register.

CONFERENCES.

THE CHESHIRE CONFERENCE will be held at Congleton, on Tuesday, Oct. 4. Service, 11 a.m. Business, 2.30 p.m. The Rev. E. K. Everett, of Nantwich, will preach in the morning, or in case of failure the Rev. W. March, of Stoke-onTrent. The subject of Pastoral Visitation will be introduced for consideration at the close of the business of the Conference.

W. MARCH, Secretary.

THE LONDON CONFERENCE will be held at Commercial Road chapel, London, on Wednesday, Oct. 5. Dr. Burns is expected to read a paper in the afternoon, and Rev. J. H. Atkinson will preach in the evening. C. PAYNE, Secretary.

THE MIDLAND CONFERENCE met at East Leake, Sep. 13. The Rev. J. Alcorn preached at 11 a.m. from Heb. vi. 12. The Rev. E. Stevenson presided at the afternoon session. Since June 7, thirty-two had been baptized, forty-eight were candidates, and two were restored.

The business of the afternoon consisted in making arrangements to carry out the new regulations for the conduct of the Conference.

1. The Rev. C. Clarke, B.A., was appointed Secretary for three years.

2. The Rev. T. Goadby, B.A., of Derby, was appointed Chairman for one year.

3. The Revs. Dr. Underwood, W. R. Stevenson, M.A., J. Stevenson, M.A., and Messrs. Squier and F. Thompson, were appointed the Business Committee for one year.

4. The three Conferences of the year to be on the Tuesday after Shrove-Tuesday, Whit-Wednesday, and the third Tuesday in September.

5. The subject of the paper and the conference thereon at the next meeting to be, "Is our present mode of admitting members into our communion based on Scriptural authority ?" The Rev. W. R. Stevenson to be requested to write the paper.

6. The thanks of the Conference were given to brother Alcorn for his excellent and useful sermon.

7. The next Conference to be at Osmaston Road, Derby, on the Tuesday after Shrove-Tuesday, 1871.

8. Rev. J. Stevenson, M.A., gave notice that at the next Conference he should propose that the oral and written reports be received at the March as well as at the September Conference.

The Rev. T. W. Handford, of Bolton, preached in the evening.

A feeling of sadness came over the brethren when it appeared that more than sixty churches had only to return thirtytwo baptized after more than three months' labour.

C. CLARKE, Secretary.

PRESENTATION.

TODMORDEN, Wellington Road. - On Saturday evening, Aug. 27, a public meeting was held in the school-room, for the purpose of presenting to Mr. Isaac Hartley (now of Leeds) a beautiful writing desk, made of rosewood, and elaborately finished, as a token of the respect and esteem in which he is held by the teachers and scholars. Mr. Hartley has been superintendent here for about four years, and has removed to Leeds on account of business. An excellent tea was prepared in the school-room, to which a large number of friends sat down. After tea a public meeting was held, presided over by Mr. J. S. Gill, of Wellington Road. Appropriate addresses were addressed by Mr. James Greenwood, of Chilwell College; Mr. John Speak, Mr. John Greenwood, Albion Place; Mr. John Greenwood, Fair View; and Mr. B. Midgley, &c. Several pieces of music were sung in good style by the choir.

BAZAAR.

ASHBY-DE-LA-ZOUCH-On Sept. 6 and 7, a bazaar was held, by the kind permission of the Countess of Loudon, in the Ivanhoe Bath Rooms, the proceeds of which are to be devoted to the reduction of the debt of £350 on the Baptist chapel. The Rev. C. Clarke, B.A., opened the proceedings with a devotional service. £233 were taken during the two days. Great praise is due to the ladies, to whose self-denying labours and harmonious working the success of the undertaking is largely due. Sufficient goods being left to clear off the remaining debt, it is intended to hold another bazaar in a few months.

MISCELLANEOUS.

AUDLEM.-The memorial stone of a new school and lecture room was laid on Tuesday, Aug. 30, by the Rev. R. Kenney, of Wheelock. Nearly four hundred persons assembled to tea in a large marquee, after which they were addressed by the Revs. R. Kenney, T. Clarke (Market Drayton), H. Hall (Ightfield), E. K. Everett (pastor),

and other friends. The proceeds of the day were large.

WESTBOURNE PARK CHAPEL.-On Sunday, Sep. 11, two sermons were preached in the Baptist chapel, BEESTON, by J. Clifford, on behalf of the new chapel to be erected in Westbourne Park, London. Collections, £9 5s. 7d. The friends at Praed Street and their pastor are very grateful for this kind and generous response to their appeal for help.

WHITTLESEA.-Anniversary and Harvest Festival.-Sept. 11 and 13. Preachers, Revs. S. S. Allsop, T. Barrass, and Mr. Denison, Addresses on Tuesday evening after the tea meeting, by the Revs. S. S. Allsop, T. Barrass, T. Watkinson, and Messrs. Booth, Burton, and Crofts. Collections, &c., £18 3s. 6d.

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THE CENTENARY FUND.

The Executive Committee have decided to ask for the Penny Subscription from the Sunday schools (see Year Book, p. 13) as a New Year's gift, and to recommend that it be collected on the first and second Sabbaths of January, 1871. The superintendents and teachers of the Sunday Schools of the Connexion are earnestly requested to fall in with this arrangement.

It may also be stated that a renewed appeal by circular will shortly be made to the churches and friends of the Connexion soliciting that the amount required may be made up without delay. With this appeal will be sent a list of the contributions and promises en gros already received from each church, and an estimate of the proportion each church should give to make up the £5000. It is hoped that every

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where this appeal will be promptly responded to by the churches. The Centenary Fund must be completed in the Centenary year.

AN APPEAL TO CHRISTIAN SYMPATHY.

THE late Rev. Thomas Mee, Baptist minister, West Retford, Nottinghamshire, whose memoir appears in this Magazine, has left a widow and nine children, five of whom are dependent on their mother for maintenance, and three for their education in addition to their support. One daughter has been an invalid for thirteen years, and since the death of her father she has not been able to leave her bed room. The late Mr. Mee had a salary of more than £80 a year, and a house rent free, to meet the expenses of a large family, and now that scanty income is lost to the widow and the children. Without a moment's notice the worthy minister was stricken with death, and his bereaved wife and children were cast upon the world with scarcely the smallest means of subsistence. It is one of the articles of our Christian faith, that Providence will provide for the widow and the fatherless, but it is equally certain that the provision is ordinarily made through the medium of a sympathizing Christian charity, when, as in this case, there are not any available means of obtaining a livelihood by the fruits of labour or the profits of business. Words cannot be found sufficiently deep and strong to give full expression to the urgency of this appeal to the benevolence of a Christian public, and to the members of the Baptist denomination in particular. Subscriptions will be gladly and gratefully received on behalf of the bereaved family by the undersigned

Mr. ALDERMAN WILKINSON, Westfield,
East Retford.

GILES HESTER, Sharrow, Sheffield.
J. JACKSON GOADBY.

W. UNDERWOOD, D.D.

JOHN CLIFFORD.

Mr. Alderman Wilkinson begs to acknowledge the subjoined donations in aid of a fund for the widow and family of the late Rev. Thomas Mee. Since the appeal first appeared in the Magazine the widow has been laid up with sickness as well as the invalid daughter, and both have been dependent upon friends for assistance. The members of the church have kindly permitted the widow to remain in the minister's house, and supply the pulpit to the end of the quarter in the middle of October. This privilege will

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